Disneyland ParisNews

Overnight, Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle Got a Permanent Makeover

The iconic pink landmark at Disneyland Park (Paris) is showing off a new look this week, as Disneyland Paris Resort reopens the bridge to Sleeping Beauty Castle after a restoration that took far longer than first promised. The rebuilt crossing arrived 34 years after the castle and original European Disney park opened in 1992.

Months Behind Construction Walls

The bridge shut down in May, and construction walls kept guests from reaching the area. To limit the damage to vacation photos, the resort eventually hung scrims on those barriers printed with images of the castle's base.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse in front of castle in Disneyland Paris
Credit: Disney

Disneyland Paris Resort initially said access would return in “late September 2026.” That window closed with the bridge still off limits, leaving European Disney Park guests waiting several more weeks for the completed bridge reveal.

A Ground-Up Rebuild

On Monday, October 12, Disneyland Paris Resort shared updated photos of the finished Sleeping Beauty Castle bridge. According to the European Disney Resort, cast members rebuilt the structure supporting the bridge's decorative elements from the ground up. The wooden balustrade posts and the drawbridge deck were both replaced, and the arch beneath the span was formed from 2,735 individual hand-sculpted synthetic stone pieces.

A crowd of people walk toward Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris.
Credit: Heather Cowper, Flickr

The drawbridge deck itself was redesigned. The original stamped concrete surface was replaced with new waterproof granite paving. Disneyland Paris Resort says the granite looks better, lasts longer, and is easier to maintain.

The New Compass Rose

The biggest visual change is a compass rose made from natural stone and brass. Blue and red sections are linked by a green arc, and each color represents one of the three fairies from Sleeping Beauty (1959): Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. At its center sits a brass medallion engraved with Princess Aurora's crown.

Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather
Credit: Disney

X (formerly known as Twitter) user @DLPReport summed up the project and shared photos in a post:

🔧 Behind the scenes look at the Sleeping Beauty Castle bridge refurbishment which includes:
– rebuilt structure
– new waterproofed granite paving
– hand sculpted synthetic stone
– a new compass rose
– paint, patina and landscaping

New paint, patina, and detailed engravings complete the update.

Has construction ever impacted your Disney Parks vacation? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments!

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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